Microsoft is reportedly planning to rename its public cloud platform from 'Windows Azure' to 'Microsoft Azure' in a bid to extend its support for multiple operating systems and apps.
Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella's push towards "mobile-first, cloud-first world" strategy is no secret. The former head of Microsoft cloud services is putting more resources on devices and services that are unique and not replicable by others. That said, Microsoft is making extreme efforts to bridge the gap for users between home and office and readying itself for a cross-platform future. According to ZDNet, multiple anonymous sources confirmed Microsoft's plan to rebrand "Windows Azure" as "Microsoft Azure."
The latest move by the Redmond software giant, if it comes true, is a sensible step for Microsoft as Azure is not just about Windows. Windows Azure can run on Linux virtual machines, supports certain functions of Microsoft's Xbox One game platform and is compatible with a wide range of apps, program languages and frameworks. In addition, Microsoft's cloud computing platform users can use non-Windows-specific development tools, such as Java, Ruby, PHP and Python.
As for the company's expansion plans, Microsoft extended its Office support to Apple iPad devices. This brings the Windows-based tablets on equal ground with iOS-based iPads.
"This business of ours is exciting because it doesn't respect tradition, what we've done in the past," Venture Beat quoted Nadella as saying, last month. "What's going to define Microsoft going forward is innovation in a mobile-first, cloud-first world."
While former CEO Steve Ballmer drove the company's focus on Windows during his tenure, the latest move is to not let go of Microsoft's heart but look at a broader perspective. For a company to erase Windows from its cloud platform is a big deal as the software giant lived Windows for 30 years.
According to ZDNet, Microsoft will make the official announcement Tuesday, but the changes will not take effect until April 3, which is the second day of Microsoft's Build conference in San Francisco.
